γέννημα
offspring, child, fruit
Definition
γέννημα primarily means 'offspring' or 'progeny,' referring literally to children or descendants, as seen when John the Baptist addresses the Pharisees and Sadducees as 'offspring of vipers' (Matthew 3:7, Luke 3:7). It also means 'fruit' in an agricultural sense, denoting the produce of plants or vines, such as the 'fruit of the vine' mentioned by Jesus at the Last Supper (Matthew 26:29, Mark 14:25, Luke 22:18). In a metaphorical sense, it describes the 'fruit' or visible results of a person's inner character, as when Jesus says that 'the mouth speaks from the overflow of the heart' (Matthew 12:34), implying that speech is the 'fruit' revealing one's spiritual condition.
Biblical Usage
This word is used nine times in the New Testament, exclusively in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. It appears in two main contexts: first, in confrontational speeches by John the Baptist and Jesus, labeling religious leaders as 'offspring of vipers' to highlight their spiritual corruption (Matthew 3:7, 12:34, 23:33; Luke 3:7). Second, it is used in references to agricultural produce or the fruit of the vine, particularly in Jesus' teachings about the kingdom and the Last Supper (Matthew 26:29; Mark 14:25; Luke 12:18, 22:18). The usage shifts from literal progeny to metaphorical fruit, emphasizing tangible outcomes or evidence.
Etymology
γέννημα is derived from the verb γεννάω (gennaō, G1080), meaning 'to beget,' 'to bear,' or 'to produce.' It is a noun form indicating the result of that action—what is begotten or produced. Cognates include γένος (genos, G1085), meaning 'family' or 'kind,' and γέννησις (gennēsis, G1083), meaning 'birth' or 'nativity.' The word's meaning developed from a focus on biological offspring to encompass agricultural produce and, by extension, metaphorical results or products.
Semantic Range
γέννημα is theologically significant as it connects physical descent with spiritual identity and fruitfulness. In passages like Matthew 3:7 and 12:34, it challenges mere external religious affiliation, emphasizing that true spiritual 'offspring' or 'fruit' reveals one's relationship with God. Jesus' use at the Last Supper (Matthew 26:29) ties the 'fruit of the vine' to the new covenant and eschatological hope, enriching communion symbolism. Understanding this Greek word highlights the biblical theme that authentic faith produces visible, tangible outcomes, whether in character or community.
In the ancient Mediterranean world, 'offspring' carried strong connotations of family lineage, honor, and inheritance, making John the Baptist's label 'offspring of vipers' a severe insult questioning legitimacy and character. Agriculturally, 'fruit' was a vital symbol of sustenance, blessing, and productivity, deeply embedded in Jewish rituals like Passover, where wine represented joy and covenant. The metaphorical link between human fruit and plant fruit was common in wisdom literature, underscoring that actions naturally flow from one's inner state, a concept Jesus leverages to teach about authenticity.
καρπός (karpos, G2590) — More common for 'fruit,' often spiritual or metaphorical results; γέννημα can include literal offspring. τέκνον (teknon, G5043) — Specifically 'child,' emphasizing relationship; γέννημα focuses on product or progeny. σπέρμα (sperma, G4690) — 'Seed' or 'descendant,' highlighting lineage potential; γέννημα is the realized offspring or fruit.
Word Details
How this works
Definitions are from the Dodson Greek-English Lexicon, a concise public-domain resource suitable for introductory word study. Brief glosses are supplemented by STEPBible TBESG data (CC BY 4.0). For advanced research, standard scholarly references include BDAG (Danker, 3rd ed.) and LSJ.
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